Industrial pollution taints the fish in a host of Michigan rivers, but anglers often don’t know the risks. River walkers like Jim Bridgforth aim to change that — but not everyone has the luxury of skipping a fresh-caught meal.
Great Lakes News Collaborative
Bridge Michigan, Circle of Blue, Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television, The Narwhal and Michigan Public work together to report on the most pressing threats to the Great Lakes region’s water. This independent journalism is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
Water’s True Cost
As the nation prepares to pour hundreds of billions of federal dollars into rescuing water systems, the Great Lakes News Collaborative investigates the true cost of water in Michigan. Read the series.
Ready or Not
The Great Lakes region is frequently touted as one of the most climate-resilient places in the U.S., in part because of its enviable water resources. But climate change also threatens our water. The Great Lakes News Collaborative explores what it will take to prepare. Read the series.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan crews prepare for a Great Lakes oil spill
Training exercises like the one that recently took place in Rogers City help companies that transport or store oil in the Great Lakes prepare for a worst-case scenario.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan tribes fight long odds to restore wild rice, their history
Once abundant in Michigan, wild rice has dwindled in numbers since the early 1900s. Now, tribes are partnering with government agencies to bring back the grain that is vital to their heritage.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Workers in short supply as U.S. invests $1.3 trillion in infrastructure repairs
Big money is coming into Michigan, other states, but an expert says ‘the elephant in the room is: where are the workers going to come from?’
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan bald eagles soar back from near-extinction
In 1961, Michigan’s bald eagle population dipped to 52 breeding pairs. Bans on DDT and other harmful chemicals fed a recovery. But the national bird still faces threats from lead bullets and sprawling development.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Harmful algal blooms appearing on Lake Erie earlier than usual
NOAA satellite images and a research vessel sampling Lake Erie water both found evidence of harmful algal blooms on July 5, a much earlier date than typical.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Nearly $1.2 billion spent at one site to deter invasive carp from Great Lakes; other entry sites still possible
Nearly $1.2 billion is to be spent at one site to prevent invasive carp from entering the Great Lakes. There are a dozen more places where the carp could get in.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Will Michigan’s largest water provider target tiny city for next shutoffs?
Residents of Highland Park face $24 million in delinquent water bills.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Nessel: $10B PFAS settlement with 3M doesn’t resolve Michigan’s claims
Some Michigan water suppliers may be eligible for payouts from the settlement over the chemical that was used in thousands of everyday products and has been linked to cancer and other health woes.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Can climate migrants offset Michigan’s population woes? Maybe, experts say
As Michigan economic development officials fret over population loss that threatens the state’s future, some see a potential solution in so-called “climigrants” fleeing drought, wildfires, hurricanes, rising seas and heat.